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Dec. 19 Tuscarora Heroes Remembrance
Artpark Events: https://www.artpark.net/events
Chamber events calendar: https://www.niagarariverregion.com/news-and-events/events/
Artpark schedule: http://www.artpark.net/
Art Council schedule: http://www.artcouncil.org/
Wine Trail schedule: https://niagarawinetrail.org/2019-event-schedule/
NACC event calendar: http://thenacc.org/events/
Lew-Port School calendar: http://www.lew-port.com/Page/2
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Brickyard Brewing Company (BBC) 2nd Floor
436 Center Street, Lewiston
$30 per person (limited seating)
It’s the epic battle of wits — our community’s most knowledgable,
experienced, and competitive citizens are squaring off to claim the title
of this year’s Lewiston Jeopardy Champions.
Four teams are sharpening their skills for the big showdown on
Saturday, March 28, at 6:30pm at the Brickyard Brewing Company at 436
Center Street. There will be general audience participation as well.
The Historical Association of Lewiston and the Brickyard Brewing
Company (BBC) are teaming up to present the Lewiston Jeopardy Beer and
Pizza Night fundraiser — a contest of intellect and speed that will
showcase local residents competing for prizes and bragging rights. A number
of sponsors have lined up to support the fundraiser which benefits the
Lewiston Museum.
The contestants come from diverse backgrounds and bring over 700+
years of combined Lewiston experience to the event and all are recognized
for their love of Lewiston and their in-depth knowledge about the area’s
past and present. They have been involved in numerous civic endeavors and
have proven their “street cred” in working to make Lewiston one of the best
small towns in America.
The actual contest is modeled after the Jeopardy show on television
and clues will be about Lewiston and Western New York, including history,
local culture, and general regional knowledge. The audience will also get
to participate with separate clues for a chance at cash prizes.
The defending champion team, sponsored by Lund Leather, will showcase
the talents of avowed “river rat” Sandy Blackwell Yates, former Village
Trustee and retired Air Force colonel Bruce Sutherland, and Sentinel
managing editor, Josh Maloni. Sandy, the team captain, said, “Last year we
were the dark horse team but we prevailed. Obviously we have a target on
our back this year but we’ll do our best to earn the coveted trophy again.
Get those buzzers ready!”
Vying for the top spot will be Mayor Anne Welch’s team. She will be
joined by her colleague, Trustee Victor Eydt, and village historian Russ
Piper. Welch said, “No, we haven’t studied, but that’s OK. I’m confident
Lady Luck will smile upon us. It will be another great evening of friendly
competition. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the fun.”
Long-time businessman, Curt Stuart of Stuart Sports on Center Street,
will also be fielding a team including life long-residents Michael Vitch
and Amy Salada. Curt commented, “Our strategy is to use pressure and
stress to our advantage. When the other teams are sweating it out, we’ll
calmly take control and show everyone what the power of positive thinking
can do. May the most enthusiastic team win!”
Finally, Lewiston No. #1 Fire Company is a new entry this year and team
captain Les Myers will be joined by Pete Coppins and Pat Roemer, all of
whom have deep community roots. Les said, “No, we aren’t prepared. But the
other teams will find out soon enough that when it comes to beer and pizza,
no one can touch us!”
Everyone is reminded to put their answers in a form of a question. For
example, a clue may be presented, “Built in 1824 and considered Lewiston’s
crown jewel.” The correct response would be, “What’s the Frontier House?”
Another example would be, “It’s the designated route # for Ridge Road.” The
correct response would be, “What’s 104?”
But knowledge is only part of the game. It’s also about which teams
can hit their buzzers first. There will even be a final Jeopardy question
where teams can bet it all! So strategy is also a big part of who will take
home the championship trophy.
“Last year’s Jeopardy night exceeded everyone’s expectations and this
year promises to be bigger and better. It will be a spirited contest and
we’re looking forward to great evening of laughs, surprises, some old
fashioned friendly rivalry and learning more about our hometown,” said Ken
Slaugenhoupt, volunteer president of the Historical Association. “You can
raise your hand to participate or just sit back and enjoy the show.”
The “fun”draising event is open to the public and will be held in the
upstairs banquet room at the BBC which is equipped with an elevator. Entry
to the event can be purchased for a $30 donation per person. Please call
716-754-4214 and charge your donation over the phone. Or you can send a
check payable to the Historical Association of Lewiston, Inc. and mail it
with your name(s), address, phone and email to: HAL, PO Box 43, Lewiston,
NY 14092. Beer and pizza will be available at the tables. Make your
reservations soon because there are a limited number of spaces are
available.
This year’s sponsors include Krislyn Company (Rocco DelGrosso), Marla
and Jeff Williams, Joe Dante from Edward Jones, Niagara Jet Adventures,
Montante Group, Mark Cerrone Contracting, Lewiston VFW, UPS Store, Bin
There Dump That, Orange Cat, Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Legislator
Rebecca Wydysh, Legislator Irene Myers, Ventry Insurance, Nucci Financial,
Hardison Funeral Home, Brown & Company CPAs, Whirlpool Jet, Lewiston
Kiwanis, Collision Enterprises (Rob Morreale), Compu-Mail, NCCC, Susan
Geissler Studio, and Joe Grabka. Additional sponsorships are welcomed. If
you are interested in attending the event or participating as a sponsor,
please call the Lewiston Museum at 754-4214 for reservations.
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Chamber video of Lewiston. Nice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2zykvyZ4G4
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MURDER MYSTERY DINNER: THE HOTCHKISS MURDERS
Saturday, February 22, 6:30pm
Brickyard Brewing Company Banquet Room
435 Center Street, Lewiston, NY
Call 716-754-4214 to reserve your spot.
$50 per person ($45 for HAL members)
Join us on Saturday, February 22, at the Brickyard Brewing Company
banquet hall for an exciting evening of mystery and murder!
WNY Improv is returning to Lewiston to present “The Hotchkiss
Murders,” based on a scandalous local courtroom thriller.
Last year’s Murder Dinner was a fast sell-out, so don’t delay and
secure your reservation today! Tickets are on sale now and include the
performance, dinner and dessert. $50 per person / $45 for HAL Members.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Lewiston Museum at 716-754-4214.
Doors open at 6:30pm and the performance begins at 7pm. Don’t miss
the Hotch”kiss” of death during this annual event in Historic Lewiston.
All proceeds will benefit the Historical Association of Lewiston.
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DID YOU KNOW THAT BEFORE 1960 LEWISTON HAD ITS OWN FALLS?
Fish Creek Falls disappeared after construction of Parkway and culvert
See here: http://goo.gl/HDHa36
Before the Robert Moses Parkway (now Niagara Scenic Parkway) was
built before 1960, Lewiston had its own falls. On the left you can see
Fish Creek falls. Fish Creek ran through the Niagara Falls Country Club
golf course, and still does. However, when the parkway was built, an
artificial cuivert was constructed and the falls disappeared. On the
upper right, you can see the homes on Ft. Gray Drive. There are a
number of caves in the area.
This photo and descriptions were provided by Scott Ensminger from
North Tonawanda, WNYs foremost authority on local falls and caves. You
can check out his website here: http://falzguy.com/
Scott was also interviewed by the Buffalo News here:
https://buffalonews.com/2012/11/17/scott-ensminger-waterfall-collector/
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STRANGE ARREST AT FRONTIER HOUSE IN 1840
Incident sparks cross-border outrage
New placemat here: https://goo.gl/UQEPBr
Our latest placemat focuses on the little known “Upper Canada
Rebellion” and civil unrest that engulfed Ontario in the late 1830s. It
was a revolution of sorts, led by the Mayor of Toronto. The rebels
wanted to establish a republic, similar to the United States.
British troops squashed the revolt and even invaded the United
States to set fire to an American ship that was suspected of supplying
arms to the rebels. An American was killed in the attack and a suspect
was arrested at the Frontier House. You can read all about it here:
https://goo.gl/UQEPBr
Thanks to Al Frosolone and the great folks at Niagara’s Choice
Federal Credit Union for their sponsorship and support for our ongoing
placemat series.
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WELCH FAMILY DISPLAYS 1813 RELIC
Settlers grabbed silver utensils as they ran for their lives
In 1954, Lewiston historian Helen Kimball wrote a small booklet
called, A Homely Approach to Lewiston, NY.
In discussing the British attack on Lewiston during the War of
1812, she mentions, “Dr. Alvord, one of the village physicians was
killed but Dr. Willard Smith escaped down the Ridge and aided the Cookes
to escape. The Spaulding family had the table all set for a meal, they
gathered everything up in a tablecloth and ran. One of the silver
spoons included in the contents of the cloth is now in the possession of
Ralph Hotchkiss, one of the descendants.”
Lewiston resident Bob Welch is the grandson of Ralph Hotchkiss.
Did Bob have possession of the famous spoon? YES! Better yet, Bob has
allowed us to photograph it.
To our knowledge, it is the only relic in existence from that
horrific attack. The Tuscaroras recused dozens of local residents from
a terrible fate that day. You can see a photo of the spoon here:
You’ll notice it is engraved with Rufus Spaulding’s initials.
A big thank you to Bob and Anne Welch for sharing this important
artifact from Lewiston’s most important day in history.
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*** AWESOME VIDEO ***
See Niagara Falls like you’ve never seen it before — from a
small drone helicopter. This was posted in July and has been viewed
more than 1.2 million times! Click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=cfoLYTKObiU
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NO HURRICANES, FOREST FIRES OR MUD SLIDES HERE
Yes, we have our share of snow, but for the most part, Western New
York is immune from the kinds of natural disasters that wreak havoc with
other sections of the country.
In fact, we live in one of the safest regions — the 4th safest in
the U.S. You might interested in learning about the Top 10 Safest
Cities: http://goo.gl/qNkhI1
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Check out this new video trailer for the Historical Association,
produced by volunteer board member, Claudia Carnes. Great job,
Claudia! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGULRtWiakk
If you aren’t a member yet, maybe this will convince you!
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Do you remember Lewiston’s slogan from the 1960s?
“Progressively proud. Historically endowed.”
Charles Foss (Jackie Sutherland’s dad) won the slogan contest!
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NEW TUSCARORA HEROES EDITION RELEASED
The newly revised sixth edition of the Tuscarora Heroes book has
been published by the Historical Association of Lewiston and is now
available at the Lewiston Museum, DiCamillos Bakery in Lewiston, the
Orange Cat Coffee Co., the Book Corner in Niagara Falls, and the Lewiston Town and Village halls.
The book, first published in 2010, includes several changes
including a new cover photo of the monument by photographer Bill
Carpenter and additional information about the British attack on
Lewiston in December 1813. Updated information about the identity of
the “Western Indian” attackers is also provided.
“We sold out of our supply the night the Tuscarora Heroes Monument
was unveiled on December 19,” said Lewiston Museum director Pam Hauth. Lee Simonson wrote the book as a volunteer and all proceeds go the Lewiston Museum. Groups or organizations interested in having him speak on the topic are welcomed to contact the Lewiston Museum at 716-754-4214 for arrangements.
The Tuscarora Heroes was the largest War of 1812 Bicentennial
monument project in the United States.
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BATTLE OF QUEENSTON HEIGHTS PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
Lewiston sets new standard for hospitality within reenactor community Spectacular cannon/fireworks demonstration highlighted weekend
Rave reviews have been received from across America praising Lewiston and its volunteers for hosting what some reenactors are calling “the best event ever!” Virtually each of the 200 reenactors who visited the event said that they have never received the hospitality and accommodations that Lewiston offered — the most friendly and gracious town they’ve experienced!
The commemoration of the 200 Anniversary of the first major battle of
the War of 1812 took place on October 12-14, with venues in both Lewiston and Queenston.
Here is a compilation of some of the photos and videos you can find
online that have captured the event.
Bill Carpenter’s Photographs (more being posted)
http://www.pbase.com/decarr/battle_of_queenston_heights
Cannon Bombardment Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8kYCcILSjs
Friday Education Day with Student Field Trippers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1BfyVGG5oE
Cannon Fire Over the Gorge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEn4Ym2eLRY
A Flash in the Pan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn_u8tdWagg
Sun on the Canvas and Cakes in the Pan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orbmnezTtAE
Barton Hill Gala and Cannon Set Up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fz2_otL6hM
Battle Reenactment on the Canadian Side
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YNHPtBQwcQ
Battle Reenactment on Canadian Side (near end of battle)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1snXVVXrnS8
More Canadian Action and Speeches (in High Def)
http://vimeo.com/51749843
U.S. Air Force Flyover of Lewiston (just before bombardment)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9LB29K2vwA
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LEWISTON: TOP 10 TOWNS IN AMERICA TO VISIT THIS SUMMER!
http://www.mikesroadtrip.com/ten-10-road-trip-towns-2012/
Lewiston is still basking in the Travel Channel glow… We were one
of the towns featured on the Travel Channel on July 25 for the Best of the Road rally. It’s nice to see Lewiston on the national map as one of the Top 6 towns in America for “Best for Food.”
But that’s not all! Mike’s Road Trip has just published the “Top 10
Towns to Visit” list and Lewiston is included as one of the friendliest
places in America. It was great to host Mike during his Rand
McNally/Travel Channel visit in June, and we look forward to seeing him again! Thanks, Mike!
Lewiston’s popularity continues to grow across the nation as its charm
and quality of life attracts more visitors and people who want to move
here.
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SPECTACULAR FLAMES EVENT CAPTURED IN PHOTOS
Thank you to all the reenactors, from both sides of the border,
and Wendt’s Propane for putting on a tremendous show.
Thousands turned out to this year’s Flames Through Lewiston event
to enjoy seeing all the action — British redcoats, American soldiers,
natives, and of course the music, the muskets, and the fires from
Wendt’s Propane! The weather cooperated and it was a great night
commemorating Lewiston’s history. This was a 100% volunteer effort
and we want to thank all the volunteer reenactors and organizers for a
tremendous and spectacular evening.
Here are the links to the videos and photographs that were taken that
night. We thank local professional photographer Bill Carpenter, and his crew, for the great shots. We also thank the video photographers and the press for the great coverage.
Professional pictures by DeCarr Photography:
http://www.pbase.com/decarr/flames_through_lewiston-2011
Buffalo News article with picture:
http://www.buffalonews.com/incoming/article676804.ece
Gazette front page article with photos:
http://tinyurl.com/6q84e3r
Chris Budde Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVO_F1W_7PI
JAFERGarazzi Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcSKZ57V4II
Lewiston Lions Club Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj_UR_AX088
Still Pictures from Sentinel (click on Flames Through Lewiston)
http://www.wnypapers.com/image-gallery
Sentinel Videos on YouTube
http://bit.ly/A6AVJn
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Do you enjoy Historic Lewiston News? Maybe your friends would too. Feel
free to forward this newsletter. Better yet, just have your friends send
an email to: join@HistoricLewiston.org and we’ll put them on the list.
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MEMBERSHIP TIME
New Lifetime Member Option – Easy Sign Up on PayPal
Yes, it’s Historical Association membership time — a wonderful
opportunity to become a part of Lewiston’s emergence as Western New
York’s cultural centerpiece.
Membership Options:
Individual membership: $25 ($20 for seniors) (may purchase one
discounted ticket to the Tour of Homes)
Family membership: $40 (may purchase two discounted tickets to
the Tour of Homes)
Patron membership: $50 same as Family membership
Business membership: $100 (includes four discounted tickets to
the Tour of Homes)
Lifetime Member, $150 ($250 for family) (may purchase one
discounted ticket to the Tour of Homes, two discounted tickets
for family membership)
HOW TO RENEW OR BECOME A MEMBER: The easiest way to join is to
use PayPal online here: http://historiclewiston.org/gift.html
Otherwise just send a check payable to: Historical Association
of Lewiston, PO Box 43, Lewiston, New York 14092
Be sure to include your name, mailing address, email address,
and phone number. You can also call up 716-754-4214 and charge your
membership over the phone.
Either way, you’ll know you’re doing your part in preserving and
promoting Lewiston’s rich heritage. Thank you!
Stay tuned for the latest programs and events sponsored
by the Historical Association of Lewiston, New York